OpenDraft

Overview

OpenDraft is a free, open-source screenwriting app for writers who want screenplay development and production preparation without putting project files on a vendor’s cloud. It suits solo writers who value offline work as well as collaborators who need live co-editing; the trade-off is that collaboration, unlike desktop writing, depends on an internet connection.

Its strongest case is the combination of local-file storage, Git-based revision history, and planning and production tools in one MIT-licensed application. The breadth is useful for a project moving from outline to breakdown, though readers who want an account-based cloud workflow may prefer a different model.

For more options, see Screenwriting Software.

Key features

Planning and production

A Beat Board, Index Cards, Scene Navigator, and color-coded Script Notes give writers several ways to structure story material and keep track of scenes. Character management and reusable production tags for cast, extras, stunts, vehicles, props, costumes, and VFX extend that organization into breakdown work. This makes OpenDraft more suitable for writers who want planning and production preparation alongside drafting than for someone seeking only a basic script editor.

Collaboration and revision history

Writers can invite collaborators through a link and edit simultaneously, with changes synchronized instantly. That can support shared drafting without changing the local-file basis of the desktop app, but live collaboration requires internet access. Git-based version control adds named check-ins, side-by-side comparisons, and restoration of earlier versions, giving writers a way to review and recover changes.

Formats, backups, and extensions

OpenDraft imports and exports Final Draft FDX, Fountain, and Fade In files; it also imports OSF and plain text, and exports PDF and DOCX. The supported format range helps when exchanging scripts or delivering documents, although it does not remove the need to check that a receiving workflow handles the chosen format as expected. Automatic timestamped backups can go to desktop folders or, on mobile, to Files, iCloud Drive, Google Drive, or Dropbox. A plugin architecture allows custom additions without changing the core application.

Privacy and offline use

Projects are stored as files on the local computer, with no cloud servers or account requirement. OpenDraft states that it has no tracking, analytics, or data collection. Desktop use works offline, while real-time collaboration and update checks need internet access; that distinction will matter to writers choosing between private local work and connected teamwork.

Pricing

Free forever: free. The free plan requires no account or subscription and has no feature gating. OpenDraft is MIT-licensed, with no hidden costs, so there is no paid tier to unlock the listed tools. This is a strong fit for writers who want a full screenwriting workflow without recurring fees; there is no free trial because the product is free.

Platforms

OpenDraft supports macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS/iPadOS, Android, and browser use. The desktop app works offline. Browser self-hosting requires Python 3.12 or newer, Node.js 18 or newer, and Git, so that option is best suited to users comfortable meeting those technical requirements. Mobile backups can use Files, iCloud Drive, Google Drive, or Dropbox.

Who it's for

OpenDraft is best for screenwriters who want a no-subscription tool that covers story planning, script revision, and production tagging while keeping projects as local files. It also fits co-writers who need simultaneous editing and are comfortable using an internet connection for that work. Writers who need desktop access without internet may use the app offline, but anyone seeking cloud-hosted storage as the default should look elsewhere.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Local project files, no account requirement, and stated zero tracking, analytics, or data collection suit privacy-conscious writers.
• Pro: Beat and scene planning, character management, production tags, and script formatting bring several stages of screenplay work together.
• Pro: Git-based check-ins, comparisons, and restoration make revision history more deliberate than relying only on saved copies.
• Pro: Import and export support for major screenplay formats plus PDF and DOCX helps with handoffs.
• Con: Real-time co-editing and update checks require internet access, so offline use does not cover every workflow.
• Con: Browser self-hosting depends on Python 3.12 or newer, Node.js 18 or newer, and Git, which adds setup work for users choosing that route.
• Con: Bug reports and feature requests go through GitHub Issues and community discussions, rather than a stated direct support channel.

Alternatives

• Celtx is a better fit for writers who prefer a cloud-based editor and want a free studio limited to one project, with a free trial also offered.
• ScreenWeaver is worth comparing for writers seeking a free plan with unlimited projects and pages plus PDF and Final Draft export.
• Story Architect may suit writers who want an open-core option: its core source is MIT-licensed, while some features are closed source and commercial.
• Revision Screenwriter is another free choice for writers comparing screenwriting apps without stated plan limits.
• WriterDuet offers a free plan capped at three projects, with a paid Plus plan for unlimited projects and real-time collaboration.
• Arc Studio Pro may appeal to writers who want a free plan with two scripts and PDF export, with a watermark.
• Scriptum is another free, open-source screenwriting application.
• DramaQueen offers a free plan with no stated project-number or length restriction, alongside writing, formatting, and outlining.

Verdict

Choose OpenDraft if you want a capable, no-cost screenwriting workflow built around local files, offline desktop use, revision history, and production organization. Its main reason to look elsewhere is the split between offline solo work and internet-dependent collaboration, or the technical setup required for browser self-hosting.